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Experience Santa Barbara

As residents know and visitors quickly discover, Santa Barbara has a magic unlike anywhere else on Earth, a unique feeling that's more than wine and arts, more than sunshine and the crisp air off the Pacific, more than amazing food and natural beauty.

Santa Barbara is all of these things wrapped into the richness of a big city with the feel of a small town, a unique way of life that's both sophisticated and simple, refined and relaxed, the culture of Europe meets the spirit of the West Coast in what can only be described as The American Riviera®.

Seeing is believing, and once you see what Santa Barbara's all about, you'll be hooked forever. Check out our photos, videos and podcasts to help you plan your visit, whatever your interests. Get the latest insider scoop on the Santa Barbara scene, from new restaurants and hotels, to events and special offers from our blog, the SB Post. Read about the myriad ways to make the most of your time in paradise with suggested itineraries, and start planning your own one-of-a-kind experience.

Foodies sip and savor their way through Santa Barbara year-round, but particularly in October when Santa Barbara comes together for 31 days to celebrate cuisine, libations and culture during epicure.sb! Film buffs delve into our deep ties to cinema during the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in late January and early February. Make the most of the Festival with Film Feast when Santa Barbara rolls out the red carpet with special tasting menus and all-star hotel packages. Visitors delight in our Spanish-influenced architecture and the diversity of our arts and culture, which we invite you to explore with Culture 101—over 101 arts and culture highlights, all just off of Highway 101. And those who would prefer to leave the car in park and explore Santa Barbara by foot, train, water taxi, trolley, bike, segway, pedicab (you get the idea) will want to learn more about family-friendly ways to travel to and in Santa Barbara car free.

But more than its attraction for any one interest, Santa Barbara creates the space and spirit to relax and explore, ever casual and always comfortable. Take a break for the ordinary, leave the world behind and open yourself to the singular emotional experience found only in The American Riviera®.